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Missing Teeth

Missing Teeth

Replacing Missing Teeth

People with a missing tooth or teeth can have problems smiling because of embarassment or the stigma that usually accompanies this predicament. Missing teeth is a result of extracted decayed or broken teeth. Sometimes, although rarely, it can also be a situation whereby the person is born that way. Replacing missing teeth is very important because it helps the remaining teeth function properly and gives you back your smile.

People with missing teeth might have problems speaking clearly or even eating comfortably. Missing teeth can affect the bite of your remaining teeth. This is as a result of the remaining teeth leaning over into the gaps.

Missing teeth can affect the facial muscles, causing them to sag, especially if more than one or two teeth are missing from your mouth. The empty spaces in your mouth can trap food particles in them, increasing the risk of tooth decay and worse, gum disease.

Options for treatment of missing teeth

There are three major options widely accepted for missing teeth. These options are;

  • Dentures
  • Bridges
  • Dental implants

Adopting any of these treatment plans is dependent on two factors. These two factors are the finances and the number of teeth needing replacement. You can discuss with your dentist to help you decide on which treatment plan is best for you. This is important because the replacement teeth are meant to match the natural colour of your teeth as closely as possible. Whichever treatment option you choose, be assured that it will help to restore your smile.

Case 14 Befor Case 14 After
Case 8 Befor Case 8 After

Quote icon - Museum Dental SuitesHighly recommend Museum Dental Suite. Their work is of the highest calibre, professional and friendly. I'm very thankful they for excellent aftercare advice and for making me relaxed and so well treated. I've recommended them to both my family and friends.

Vic Pannett

3 weeks ago

5 Star Reviews -  Museum Dental SuitesI have been undertaking a cosmetic treatment (Invisalign) for around eight months here, off the back of a recommendation of a friend who had the same treatment. The professionalism and perfectionism with which my treatment was delivered was outstanding, as was the general service and were all of the staff I encountered.

My dentist Dr. Wahab Shakir was particularly great, with a friendly, reassuring manner and an eye for detail. He always went above and beyond, without ever being asked.

I'm now almost at the end of my treatment and couldn't be more pleased with how treatment has gone. Given the service and end result I'd also consider it excellent value for money.

Keep up the good work Museum Dental Suites!

Rachael H

a month ago

Firstly what a great dentist, all the staff were friendly and very helpful as this was my first time here.

I had called for an emergency appointment due to a sudden cracked tooth and Dr Wahab Shakir despite the end of day fast approaching (30 minutes till close) he said he would see me.

The treatment was not straight forward due to the crack but Dr Shakir after a lengthy time managed to save the tooth/restore it and prevent what I believe most dentists would have done which install a crown - Thank you!

Highly recommend this dentist and service and I am grateful for not only seeing me within an hour but also staying passed closing time and finally for doing a Stella job.

Michael O

a month ago

Dentures

This is not usually the first option that comes to mind when you think of teeth replacement. Ideally, it could probably be the last option. Dentures can be partial or full. They are removable plastic or metal frameworks where a false tooth is attached. Denture designs depend on the number of teeth that needs to be replaced.

Dentures are custom made; this means that the impressions of the missing area are taken with dental putty by your dentist before the denture is made so it will fit properly. The base plates of the partial dentures can be made of metal or plastic. The metal base plates are lighter and stronger, but they command a higher cost than the plastic base plates.

In some cases, some other teeth that are damaged may have to be removed, to allow the denture set to fit properly. There are different varieties of removable dentures, and they have their benefits and their vices.

Benefits of removable dentures

  • It doesn't require surgery
  • It is the cheapest option for missing tooth replacement
  • It hardly requires no more than minor touch-ups to existing teeth

Disadvantages of removable dentures

  • It is less aesthetic
  • It is less stable
  • It is less functional
  • It can be a little uncomfortable on the gums and cheeks
  • It is difficult to clean

Maintaining the position of your dentures

Partial and often full dentures can often slip and fall out of place at first when you cough or laugh. It is therefore important to adopt ways to keep them in place to avoid them slipping out in public. There are sometimes clasps that hold onto the teeth right next to your dentures. This helps to keep them in place. In the case of full upper dentures, they cover the entire roof of the mouth. Saliva creates suction to hold the dentures in place, and the tongue with the facial muscles also help to keep them in place.

Full denture for the lower teeth can be sometimes difficult to keep in place. This is because there isn't enough support from the gums in the lower teeth. The position of the dentures can be maintained using adhesive cream. The use of creams helps to boost confidence, although some people do not need it. It is important that your dentures fit, so they do not make your mouth sore.

Getting used to dentures

Dentures are meant to fill out the gaps in the mouth, in order to make speech and eating easier. Getting used to wearing dentures takes time. Some people find out that their mouths feel sore and uncomfortable at the early stages. Dentures are removable; this means you must remove them at night.

You can schedule an appointment with your dentist occasionally, to check the progress and security of the dentures. Your dentures will start feeling more comfortable as you get used to them.

Eating with dentures might be a problem, as well as speaking at first. It might be easier to eat soft food initially and to chew with both sides of the mouth, as this prevents the dentures from slipping out of place. In the case of speech, you can try reading out loud.

Caring for your mouth and dentures

Dentures can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and other germs. It is therefore important to clean not just the dentures, but your mouth as well. You should brush your remaining teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and also clean them with dental floss or tape. You should also clean your tongue, roof of your mouth and gums with a soft brush.

When cleaning the dentures, you should brush them, soak them and brush them again. They should be brushed after every meal, making sure to clean every part of the dentures. You can speak to your dentist for recommendations on the best cleaning solution to use, because some dentures have a soft lining, so as not to damage them. These cleaning solutions can be used to soak the dentures to help remove further stains and then brushed again.

Your dentures should be removed at night before sleep and placed in a denture box or a glass of water to prevent drying out and to prevent infections. Caring for your dentures can make them last for several years.

Bridges

This treatment option is adopted when only one or two teeth are missing from the mouth. A bridge is an option whereby the two teeth found on either side of a space in the mouth receive crowns after which a fake tooth is added to fill the space. There are two types of bridges.

The first type of bridge is made up of two crowns. These crowns are bonded permanently to the teeth on either side of the gap and replacement teeth are fitted in between them. The second type of bridge is one with a false tooth with wing-like projections either side of it, it is placed in the gap and bonded to the inner surface of the other teeth. Both types of bridges are very helpful in holding the new fake teeth firmly in place.

Bridges are not removable –they are permanently affixed to your teeth, so cleaning them might be a problem. To clean the natural teeth, you will have to clean the gap under the bridge using interdental or special dental floss. If you are confused about this, you can ask your dentist to help you out by showing you how to clean the bridge effectively.

Benefits of bridges

  • They are cheaper than implants and work faster
  • They are permanently affixed and thus cannot be removed. This means that they’ll function better than a removable piece.
  • It has less stringent surgical requirements
  • It is not age restrictive, and its use is not dependent on the patient's medical history
  • It is esthetic

Disadantages of bridges

  • There is the possibility of a loss of bone
  • Adjacent teeth must be crowned
  • There usually must be adjacent teeth present on either side of the gap in the mouth
  • It has a high failure rate compared to implants
  • It is difficult to maintain and can lead to recurrent decay.

Dental implants

This is an excellent option of treatment for missing teeth. It has been recommended by many dentists and has been accepted by many patients as a good option for the treatment of missing teeth.

A dental implant is a sterile metal or titanium screw placed in your jaw by a dentist. It is meant to hold a false tooth in place securely over a long time. The implant is placed in your jaw by the dentist and kept for about 3 months before a new crown is be screwed onto it. This is to allow the implant enough time to fuse securely with the jawbone and to heal properly.

Dental implants serve as the best method of replacing a missing tooth. It is highly durable and lasts longer, especially with good treatment. Implants are also useful in creating bridges. They also improve the retention of dentures in patients. Sometimes it is even used to create a denture that stays locked in the mouth, that cannot be removed by anyone else except a dentist.

Dental implant procedure

A dental implant is a surgical procedure that requires a local anaesthetic. Before the procedure, your dentist will verify and be sure that you have healthy gums before the procedure is carried out. Having uncontrolled gum disease or being a smoker will usually disqualify you from this procedure. This is because the state of your gums will determine the success rate of the treatment. Poor gum condition will not guarantee treatment success.

Benefits of dental implants

  • It is comfortable and stable
  • It is functional and strong
  • It doesn't require much maintenance unlike bridges and dentures
  • It has a high success rate
  • It doesn't require removal of any tooth structure from the adjacent tooth.

Vices of dental implants

  • It is time-consuming
  • It requires surgery
  • It is expensive
  • It has a lower success rate for people with medical issues such as diabetes and gum problems.

Caring for your implants

Caring for your dental implants is very important. It doesn't require much protocol; you should care for your dental implants the way you would care for your natural teeth with additional cleaning aides such as interdental brushes. This means brushing and flossing regularly to avoid plaque, dirt build-up and tooth decay and infections.

Case 8 Befor Case 8 After
Case 14 Befor Case 14 After

Highly recommend Museum Dental Suite. Their work is of the highest calibre, professional and friendly. I'm very thankful they for excellent aftercare advice and for making me relaxed and so well treated. I've recommended them to both my family and friends.

Vic Pannett

Vic Pannett

3 weeks ago

I have been undertaking a cosmetic treatment (Invisalign) for around eight months here, off the back of a recommendation of a friend who had the same treatment. The professionalism and perfectionism with which my treatment was delivered was outstanding, as was the general service and were all of the staff I encountered.

My dentist Dr. Wahab Shakir was particularly great, with a friendly, reassuring manner and an eye for detail. He always went above and beyond, without ever being asked.

I'm now almost at the end of my treatment and couldn't be more pleased with how treatment has gone. Given the service and end result I'd also consider it excellent value for money.

Keep up the good work Museum Dental Suites!

Rachael H

Rachael H

a month ago

Firstly what a great dentist, all the staff were friendly and very helpful as this was my first time here.

I had called for an emergency appointment due to a sudden cracked tooth and Dr Wahab Shakir despite the end of day fast approaching (30 minutes till close) he said he would see me.

The treatment was not straight forward due to the crack but Dr Shakir after a lengthy time managed to save the tooth/restore it and prevent what I believe most dentists would have done which install a crown - Thank you!

Highly recommend this dentist and service and I am grateful for not only seeing me within an hour but also staying passed closing time and finally for doing a Stella job.

Michael O

Michael O

a month ago

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

It is normal for people to have questions concerning a missing toorh and it's treatment. This serves to clear any doubt that they might have concerning this procedure. Below are a few questions people might ask.

Q: Which treatment option for missing tooth is best for me?

A: The treatment option depends on the nature of the problem and how many teeth are missing in your mouth. However, you should consult your dentist before choosing any treatment option. Your dentist will help you decide which is best for you.

Q: Is it important to replace my missing teeth?

A: Replacing a missing tooth is not compulsory. It might become very important if you have a lot of teeth missing in your mouth and it affects your normal activities like speaking and eating. According to dentists, you need to have at least 21 teeth functioning properly in your mouth. If you have more than this, but still have some teeth missing, there could still be a good reason to get the gaps in your mouth filled.

Q: Will replacing my missing teeth or tooth cause me pain?

A: There are different options for treatment, and each of them has different procedures. However, each of these shouldn't hurt much. For instance, dentures might be uncomfortable at first, but with time, you will get used to it. Bridges and implants can be painful, and that is why you are administered an anaesthetic before the procedure to block pain in your gums. You may need to speak to your dentist before these procedures to help calm your nerves.

Q: Will dentures affect my sense of taste?

A: Although it hasn't been proven, it is possible for people to have a hard time recognising some familiar taste due to dentures covering their upper palate. It is important to notify your dentist once you notice the change in taste or lack of taste in your meals, as this can signify the presence of another oral infection like oral thrush.

Conclusion

Having one or two teeth missing or all of your teeth missing in your mouth should not be a problem for people these days. There are several treatment options available based on the severity of the problem.

You need not worry anymore about your missing tooth as our dentists will walk you through the available treatment options and help restore your dazzling smile. For more information, call us  on 0207 183 0886 to book an appointment.

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RECENT GOOGLE REVIEWS

Quote

reviews-star.pngHighly recommend Museum Dental Suite. Their work is of the highest calibre, professional and friendly. I'm very thankful they for excellent aftercare advice and for making me relaxed and so well treated. I've recommended them to both my family and friends.

Quote

reviews-star.pngI have been undertaking a cosmetic treatment (Invisalign) for around eight months here, off the back of a recommendation of a friend who had the same treatment. The professionalism and perfectionism with which my treatment was delivered was outstanding, as was the general service and were all of the staff I encountered.

My dentist Dr. Wahab Shakir was particularly great, with a friendly, reassuring manner and an eye for detail. He always went above and beyond, without ever being asked.

I'm now almost at the end of my treatment and couldn't be more pleased with how treatment has gone. Given the service and end result I'd also consider it excellent value for money.

Keep up the good work Museum Dental Suites!

Quote

reviews-star.pngFirstly what a great dentist, all the staff were friendly and very helpful as this was my first time here.

I had called for an emergency appointment due to a sudden cracked tooth and Dr Wahab Shakir despite the end of day fast approaching (30 minutes till close) he said he would see me.

The treatment was not straight forward due to the crack but Dr Shakir after a lengthy time managed to save the tooth/restore it and prevent what I believe most dentists would have done which install a crown - Thank you!

Highly recommend this dentist and service and I am grateful for not only seeing me within an hour but also staying passed closing time and finally for doing a Stella job.

Quote

reviews-star.pngThis is a top notch dentist who makes you feel at ease which for someone liked me is important. The staff are very professional, polite, courteous and friendly. Marios, my dentist is extremely patient and cares about your dental care and the service you receive. Just received my new dentures and they have been done to a very high standard and am very pleased. I have nothing but praise for the staff and the treatment/service I received.

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reviews-star.pngBest dentist ever hands down. Least painful and least scary experiences here (I'm usually really scared of going to the dentist, and even find the initial anaesthetic injection painful) - they really care about the patient, and making sure you're comfortable, results are also fab. Seriously can't imagine a better dentist!

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reviews-star.pngAfter lots of research I was very happy with the results and the service at Museum Dental. 100% I would recommend to a friend. I couldn't be more pleased.

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